Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-04-06
Washington Gossip.

Irregular correspondence of the Journal
WAsHINGToN, ID. c..
APRIL 2, 1887
decreased NEED OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS AT
THE CAPITAL
The government. rs regards its public
buildings in Washington, is very like rap
idly growing youth who has quite outgrown
his clothes. The increase in the necessary
accommodations for those who transact the
public business has in no wise kept pace with
the steady increase of that business and the
remarkable growth of the nation.
The nation, but little over century old
is but in its infancy, and yet it has almost
outgrown its capitol, notw outstanding the
enormous proportions of that grand and endur-
ing structure.
The patent office was originally designed
TO accommodate all the clerical force of the
interior department, but it will not now hold
one fourth of the number. 1t is barely large
enosgh for the patent office proper. The
pension office, the Inditn bureau, the bureau
of education, and other bureaus of that de
partment have long since been obliged to
find office room elsewhere.
The treasury building never has been able
to shelter all OF its bureaus under one roof
The state, war and navy departments are
quartered in the magnificent building which
is just being completed on the old war and
navy sites, but it is now said to De too small
fIr all three.
As the necessity for new buildings arises.
the question of location has to be met. The
government owns no 1noccuped lands in the
District, except those which have been tacitly
dedicated az parks for the use of the citizens
of Washington. These are the breathing
places for the people, and play grounds for
the children. Will the government take
these little GASES of freshness and health away
from those who need them. and there erect
its buildings? 1t is to be hoped not, for the
area and density of the city is constantly in
creasing. There is only one wsv of avoiding
such a calamity, that is to purchase for public
use all the property lying south OF Pennsyl.
vania avenue, aud north of the mall, between
the capitol and the treasury, to be used for
the erection OF future public buildings. 1t
would involve the outlay Of a large sum to
make the purchase, but in the end it would
be true economy. Representative Milliken
introduced bill into the last Congress look
ing towards the purchase or condemnation OF
this property. | hope he will re.introduce
at the next session.
Son OF THE OLD "WAR SEcRETARr."
Edwin M. stanton, the old war secretary,
left son who at the time of his fathers
death had just been admitted to the bar.
attended law lectures with him, and in after
years grew to know him we'll. He was a
noble young fellow. pure minded, talented,
and ambitious; with none of the brusqueness
of manner which characterized his father.
Young Stanton at once took front rank in
his profession, and by hard work and con.
scientious discharge of his duties, speedily
won the respect of both bench and bar. No
young man ever had brighter prospects than
he. In the old circuit court room at the
city hall. where all the aisi prius cases were
tried, there hung on the wall to
the left of the presiding judge, and between
him and the jury box. a fine oil painting OF
Secretary Stanton. The lawyers engaged in
trying cases were located directly in front OF
it. l often watched young Stanton in that
place. arguing a case, examining witnesses
or addressing the jury, while the strong
rugged face OF his father looked down upor